The Redskins returned to the practice field Monday in preparation for the Indianapolis Colts and Andrew Luck on Saturday at Fed Ex Field.

The team got some good news in the process regarding some injuries. Mike Shanahan said that both MRIs for Brian Orakpo and Brandon Meriweather came back negative. Both players are sore and won’t play the remainder of the preseason.

“Today I feel good, I’m very optimistic about it,” Orakpo said. “It popped on me on the field, I was scared because I thought I re-tore it.”

As far as other injury concerns:

Tim Hightower practiced today but was sore after practice. Mike Shanahan said if he can go, then he’ll play on Saturday. If he can’t, then he will get some time against Tampa.

Roy Helu is now sore in both Achilles’ and did not practice.

London Fletcher was back at practice after missing the game with undisclosed injury/ailment.

Saturday represents the final preseason game in which we will see Robert Griffin III and most starters. Mike Shanahan said that the quarterback won’t play an entire three quarters, but perhaps a series or two into the third quarter.

Since it’s the third and usually most important preseason game, Shanahan offered his thoughts:

“We are going to go through more of a game plan situation for everybody on our football team. The reason we do that the third game is because if we have any injuries, we have a little chance to recover before our first game,” Shanahan said. “We are going to evaluate some people as well, but when that first game comes, we will have a game plan and we will do the things that we do best. Hopefully it will be good enough to beat the Saints.”

Oh, and for the people out there who think there’s a quarterback controversy: there isn’t. Kirk Cousins had a pretty good second half in Chicago, so please don’t start the nonsense. And the fourth round pick agrees.

“I think that this is Robert’s team. This is Robert’s opportunity. The coaches have made that very clear. It’s my job to do the best I can in my situation and in my opportunities,” said Cousins. “And that’s what I’m trying to do.”